seniors… why are there so many different opinions and definitions of god?

SENIORS…

Why are there so many different opinions and definitions of God?

What process do most people use to decide which “God” is the

right God?

SENIORS…

Monday start-up

Pray with your Tribond 2-3 minutes– have the person with the longest last name pray first, the person with

the shortest last name pray last

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

INTRO TO HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

A-E-I

THEATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

OOO

WILL OF GOD

MEMORYVERSE

GROUP #2ACTS

17:24,25

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

COMMUNICABLE

TRAITS

THE ATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

UNITY

HALF DAY

WEEKLY QUESTIONS

DUE BY MIDNIGHT!

THIS WEEK IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

Screen shot of weekly reading assignment

&

Group 2’s

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

WHAT MAKES GOD “GOD”?

Incommunicable attributes:Attributes which God does not share or “communicate” with humanityCommunicable attributes:Attributes which God shares or “communicates” with humanity

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

AseityEternality

ImmutabilityOmnipresenceOmnipotenceOmniscience

A-E-I-OOO

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Aseity1. Aseity is God’s independence(Latin “a se” = “from himself”)2. God is self-existent, He does not nor could not rely on someone or something to exist

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

God is the only absolutely independent being. His

existence and well-being is not dependant upon any

being or circumstance. He is the final and primary

cause of all things. Therefore, there is no

cause that precedes him. He is in need of nothing.

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Aseity3. God brought about creation to bring Himself glory and joy, but this does not diminish His independence

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Do you agree or disagree?- God cannot be fully comprehended by humanity- God has made something of Himself known to humanity- The things God has revealed about Himself to humanity can only be found in the Bible

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

We can never fully comprehend God:Psalm 139:6, 17-18; 145:3

We can know some facts about God and therefore know God personally:John 17:3

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

God’s aseity in the ScripturesJob 41:11

Psalm 50:12Isaiah 40:18Isaiah 43:7John 5:26John 17:5

Acts 17:24-25Romans 11:36

Revelation 4:11

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Eternality1. God is infinite with respect to time2. God has no beginning or end- He is in all times at all times

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

God

God’s Eternality

Creation

Flood Crucifixion

2013 Eternity

Eternality3. God does not experience a succession of moments in His own being4. God sees events in time and acts in time, but this does not diminish His eternality

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Immutability1. Immutability is God’s unchangeableness2. God does not nor could not change in His being, His purposes, or His promises

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Immutability3. God feels emotions and acts differently in response to different situations, but this does not diminish His immutability

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

“Open Theism”God does not know the future and can change

His mindGenesis 6:6

Genesis 18:20-33Exodus 32:9–14

1 Samuel 15:10-11Isaiah 38:1–6

Jonah 3:10

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Responding to “Open Theism”

Job 37:16Psalm 90:2

Psalm 102:27Malachi 3:6

Hebrews 13:8James 1:171 John 3:20

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

SENIORS…

Review with your Tribond the attributes of aseity, eternality,

and immutability.

How does God demonstrate these attributes (what does He do to show that He possesses

aseity, etc…)?

SENIORS…

Tuesday start-up

Two pray Tuesday. In your Tribond have one person pray for the school and

another pray for the country

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

INTRO TO HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

A-E-I

THEATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

OOO

WILL OF GOD

MEMORYVERSE

GROUP #2ACTS

17:24,25

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

COMMUNICABLE

TRAITS

THE ATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

UNITY

HALF DAY

WEEKLY QUESTIONS

DUE BY MIDNIGHT!

THIS WEEK IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

Omnipresence(Omni “all”)

1. God is infinite with respect to space2. God is present with His whole being at every point in space at all times

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

God

Universe

Earth

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Universe

Earth

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Universe

Earth

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Omnipresence(Omni “all”)

3. God is without size or spatial dimensions4. God acts differently in different places, but this does not diminish His omnipresence

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

SENIORS…

If God is omnipresent, is He in hell?

Omnipotence(Omni “all”, potens “powerful”)

1. God is infinite with respect to power2. God possesses all power to do His holy will- He is not limited to doing only what He has actually done, but He is capable of doing even more

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Omnipotence(Omni “all”, potens “powerful”)

3. It is not entirely accurate to state “God can do anything”-God cannot will or do anything that would deny His own character or attributes-(ex: God cannot lie, be tempted, cease to exist, cease to be God)

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Omniscience(Omni “all”, scientia “to know”)

1. God is infinite with respect to knowledge2. God’s knowledge is perfect and absolute from all eternity

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Omniscience(Omni “all”, scientia “to know”)

3. God is intuitive- He does not learn, He simply already knows!4. God knows all things actual and all things possible

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

OmniscienceWhat does Psalm 56:8 and Psalm 142:3 tell us about God’s knowledge of our troubles? And what does He do with our cry for help?In light of Psalm 139:12-15, how should we respond when we fall into the trap of thinking God made mistakes when He made you?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Will1. God decides and approves all that He is and does2. God is the final reason for everything that happens to His creatures3. Distinctions exist within the aspects of God’s will:

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

God’s “necessary will”

describes everything that

He must willaccording to His

nature(He cannot cease to

exist)

God’s “necessary will”

describes everything that

He must willaccording to His

nature(He cannot cease to

exist)

God’s “free will”describes

everything thatHe decides to willaccording to His

nature(creation, salvation)

God’s “necessary will”

describes everything that

He must willaccording to His

nature(He cannot cease to

exist)

God’s “free will”describes

everything thatHe decides to willaccording to His

nature(creation, salvation)

God’s “secret will”describes the hidden thingsof His will that

requirehumanity to trust

Him(details of future

events)

God’s “necessary will”

describes everything that

He must willaccording to His

nature(He cannot cease to

exist)

God’s “free will”describes

everything thatHe decides to willaccording to His

nature(creation, salvation)

God’s “secret will”describes the hidden thingsof His will that

requirehumanity to trust

Him(details of future

events)

God’s “revealed will”

describes thecommands/preceptsof His will that are

to befollowed by humanity

(the Scriptures)

SENIORS…

Group 2 prepare. Everyone else get out your Bible and preview

Acts 17:24-25 at your desk.

SENIORS…

Wednesday start-up

Prayer Request- Something 9-11 related probably.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

INTRO TO HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

A-E-I

THEATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

OOO

WILL OF GOD

MEMORYVERSE

GROUP #2ACTS

17:24,25

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

COMMUNICABLE

TRAITS

THE ATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

UNITY

HALF DAY

WEEKLY QUESTIONS

DUE BY MIDNIGHT!

THIS WEEK IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

SENIORS…

Contemplate the concept of God being eternal. What are your

natural responses to this attribute of God (positive or

negative)?

SENIORS…

Thursday start-up

In your Tribond pray over the theme in your life.

“Fall into His story.”

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

INTRO TO HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

A-E-I

THEATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

OOO

WILL OF GOD

MEMORYVERSE

GROUP #2ACTS

17:24,25

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

COMMUNICABLE

TRAITS

THE ATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

UNITY

HALF DAY

WEEKLY QUESTIONS

DUE BY MIDNIGHT!

THIS WEEK IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

Spirit1. God is a being not made of matter or materials- He cannot be perceived by bodily senses

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Spirit2. God is distinct from this world- He does not have the properties of matter nor is He dependant upon matter3. God is invisible- He does not have size or dimension

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

SpiritWhat does John 4:24 mean when it says that those who worship God must worship Him in spirit and truth?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Wisdom1. God’s power and knowledge are applied with discipline and restraint2. God’s ways achieve the most appropriate and benevolent end

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Wisdom3. God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

WisdomWhat is the difference between being smart and being wise?In light of Colossians 2:2-3, and 1 Corinthians 2:14-16, do you think it would be possible for one who despises Jesus Christ to be truly wise? Why or why not?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Veracity1. Veracity describes God’s truthfulness and faithfulness2. God is the true God- all His knowledge and words are the final standard

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Veracity3. God will always do what He has said and He will fulfill every promise4. God knows things as they really are- all truth is God’s truth

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

VeracityContrast Proverbs 6:23 with 6:24. What do we learn about truth from this and what do we learn about flattery?What are the two unchangeable things in Hebrews 6:17-19?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Goodness1. God is the source of all that is good in the universe2. God is the final standard of all that is good

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Goodness3. God takes personal interest in each of His creatures4. All that God does is worthy of approval

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

GoodnessName the good things in your life that you take for granted each day. Which of these are lessened when taken for granted?What good can I do for God from which He may derive benefit? Is there anything that a creature can do from which God is benefited?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Love1. God eternally gives of Himself to His creatures2. God directs His goodness toward His creatures in a personal way

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Love3. God acts deliberately, intelligently and sacrificially in His will towards His creatures- love is not just an emotion

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Characteristics of God’s love:It has been eternally shared among the members of the Trinity (Jn. 3:35; 14:31)It is a love for all His creation (Jn. 3:16)It is ultimately displayed in the sending of His Son (Rom. 5:8)It rejoices in salvation of His creation (Isa. 62:5)It motivates us to love Him (1 Jn. 4:19)

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

LoveWhat is the strongest act of love done for you by another person?

What is the strongest act of love you could demonstrate for a person you were dating? How do you know this?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Grace1. Grace is God’s goodness toward those who do not deserve it (unmerited favor)

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Grace2. God demonstrates His grace in two different ways: “common grace” and “special grace”:

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Grace- “common grace” refers to the aspects of God’s grace directed to all humanity (sustaining life, providing needs, restraining evil, etc…)Acts 17:25, 2 Peter 3:9

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Grace- “special grace” refers to the free gift of eternal salvation applied to those who believe in ChristRomans 5:1-2, 9:15-16

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Grace3. It is only through God’s grace that an individual can experience salvation

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

GraceWhat problems do you see in a works based method of salvation?

Why is a works based method of salvation not compatible with the character and attributes of God?Why does humanity seem to prefer works based salvation schemes? What do you see as the root of these reasons?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Mercy1. Mercy is God’s compassion toward those who don’t deserve it2. God’s mercy and lovingkindness are closely related

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Mercy3. God demonstrates mercy when He takes pity upon the helpless condition of humanity and withholds His just punishment4. God demonstrates mercy when He offers comfort to those in misery and distress

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

MercyWhy is it when a person in authority grants “mercy” to an individual, others can call it injustice?

Are their situations where being merciful to another person is not the best for that person?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Longsuffering1. Longsuffering is God’s patience in dealing with evil2. God demonstrates longsuffering by bearing with the on going disobedience of His creatures

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Longsuffering3. God withholds judgment, making it possible for humanity to repent

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

LongsufferingWhy could the longsuffering of God bring out contempt in some people? What is the cure for their contempt of God?

How can an understanding of God’s patience help us become more courageous?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Holiness1. God is separated from all sin and evil, devoted to seeking His own honor

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Holiness2. God’s holiness can be described from two standpoints: “essential holiness” and “ethical holiness”:

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Holiness- “essential holiness” refers to God being separate from His creation, for there is no one else like Him- “ethical holiness” refers to God being without sin, for He is morally perfect (lacking nothing in character)

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Holiness3. Holiness and love are the primary motivations observed in Scripture to explain God’s actions

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

HolinessThink of areas in your life with which you should not be involved. Why is it so difficult to permanently walk away from those things?

What can help us to “set down the things that so easily encumber us” (Heb. 12:1-2)?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Righteousness1. God always acts in accordance with and conforms to His perfect nature2. God is the final standard of what is right- He is righteous altogether

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Righteousness3. God’s justice refers to His righteous actions directed toward humanity

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

RighteousnessHow is it that the most “righteous” person in one culture or generation may be considered “common” in another culture or generation? (This is speaking at the human level)What does this say about the changes within cultures or generations?

Why is James 4:17 so revealing about our nature as people?

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

SENIORS…Take turns sharing with your Tribond, youngest to oldest:

Which attribute of God fascinates you the most? Why?

Which communicable attribute of God (the ones from the project) do you struggle with the most?

Why?

SENIORS…

Friday start-up

No time for RPSLS to pray. Volunteer to pray

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

INTRO TO HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

A-E-I

THEATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

OOO

WILL OF GOD

MEMORYVERSE

GROUP #2ACTS

17:24,25

THEATTRIBUTE

SOF GOD

COMMUNICABLE

TRAITS

THE ATTRIBUT

ES OF GOD

UNITY

HALF DAY

WEEKLY QUESTIONS

DUE BY MIDNIGHT!

THIS WEEK IN SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

Meticulous

Sovereignty

Providential

oversight

Everything that happens, happens

because God, who is the

ultimate first cause in all

things, caused it to happen.

Everything that happens, happens

because God allowed it to

happen.

Everything that happens, happens either because God

caused it to happen or He allowed it to happen. He is

sometimes the first cause of the event and sometimes He utilizes secondary

causes.

Three Views of God’s Three Views of God’s SovereigntySovereignty

Three Views of God’s Three Views of God’s SovereigntySovereignty

Providential

Sovereignty

Unity1. God is not divided into or composed of parts

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Holiness

Will

Grace

Knowledge

Love

Power

Mercy

Goodness

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

God’s Essence Will

Holiness

Goodness

Knowledge

Love

Power

Mercy

Grace

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Love

Will

Grace

Mercy

Power Holiness

Spirit

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Unity1. God is not divided into or composed of parts2. Every attribute of God qualifies every other attribute (He is entirely just, entirely loving, entirely merciful, etc…)

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Unity3. No one attribute of God is more important or greater than the others, for He is infinitely perfect in all of His attributes

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

Unity4. God is both numerically and uniquely one, yet different attributes of God are emphasized at different times

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

SENIORS…

Even though we clearly do not measure up to God’s perfect

atributes, what ways can we still influence other believers to live

godly lives?